Jesus Christ uttered these famous words at Calvary: "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) And that statement is relevant to me and others with hyperacusis, as we deal with persecution daily. It's pinned in my head for coping mechanisms. Like Jesus, a hyperacusis sufferer is plagued with backlash and constant oppression. It comes from every corner, where many won't believe them, or say they're really crazy, or think they're even scammers, mooching on the system. Basically, their physical problems cause mistreatment, scary as that is. But the credence of physical illness is often sidestepped when visual detection isn't there. It's invisible, so most won't understand.
With Jesus, the realization that He was truly God was sadly missing for those who had nothing but insults to throw His way. Or they simply didn't believe Him -- so much so, in fact, that He was put to death; treated like a charlatan; a wild, crazy person; and even a blasphemer. So He spoke those true and candid words while suffering so highly, nailed on the cross. He forgave those groups of people, knowing that they couldn't truly fathom the point in question. Well, with hyperacusis, this routine system challenges every aspect of our condition. The cards are stacked against us, with a lack of acceptance by people and doctors, roadblocks for disability rights, and the paradox of sound, where every part of planet Earth is married to its presence -- an omnipresent force. We're basically at war with the universe, since sound is so intimately sovereign in its construct.
But nonetheless, I take comfort in knowing that Jesus went through the same ordeal and truly understands. He knows what this is like. It's the only way I can rationalize the extreme suffering and persecution that come with hyperacusis. These people who defile us, they're truly ignorant. They know NOT what they do, as they've never experienced the darkest depths of ear hell. They can't even begin to fathom hyperacusis: the losses incurred, the seismic pain, and knowing that they're here to stay until the day we die. So they're judging us with blind eyes and daft ignorance, and sometimes pure malevolence. Despite that, we must forgive their actions and strive to educate them, and even pray for them. In time, planting those seeds will churn out real growth. That's the hope I have.
By : JD Rider
No comments:
Post a Comment